I’ve been pondering what one friend of mine calls the “unchecked, freewheeling prophetic endorsements that some are handing out these days without biblical authority and oversight.”
Widespread, gullible acceptance of such words keep many from comprehending the destructive fruit which they will surely bear.
Scripture offers warnings about following the wrong kind of leader.
In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul warns those in his spiritual care not to be deceived by “super apostles” who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ and servants of righteousness.
The problem of “super apostles” was not limited to Paul’s day. His words are relevant today.
These false apostles and dishonest workers:
- Seduce people away from genuine, innocent commitment to Christ
- Preach a different Jesus
- Operate from a different spirit
- Brag about themselves
- Place themselves over others
- Exploit others and take financial advantage of them
“Super prophets” work alongside “super apostles,” distracting and derailing people spiritually.
False leaders can look just like the real deal.
They quote Scripture. They know Christian culture. They use spiritual language which sounds familiar and pleasing (2 Timothy 4:3). They know how to sound like they’re prophesying.
False leaders are masters of manipulation. They are dangerous.
To be clear, I believe in apostolic authority, prophecy, demons, and strongholds. Here’s what the Bible tells us:
New Testament fivefold ministers traveled to various regions to reach people with the gospel. When they encountered demonized people, they set them free in Jesus’ name (Acts 16:17-18). Sometimes people destroyed occult objects as they turned away from witchcraft to follow Jesus (Acts 19:19).
When Paul wrote about tearing down strongholds, he was referring to ungodly thought patterns in the minds of those in his apostolic care (2 Cor. 10:3-4). His analogy of spiritual warfare told believers how to fight against the spiritual adversary we face daily (Eph. 6:11-16).
But here’s what I do NOT see in the New Testament:
- Apostles ruling over geographic regions after expelling demonic principalities
- Prophets using flattering predictions to partner with ungodly political leaders
- Disciples of Jesus trying to make whole nations become Christian
- Jesus followers taking over culture from the top down
The early church thrived despite living in oppressive times. Believers understood the Kingdom of God is not of this world and therefore has no need for political power. They knew how to stay on mission with no earthly rewards in sight.
Believers are warned numerous times by Jesus and the writers of the New Testament that many false prophets and teachers will arise, and that many people will fall away.
This doesn’t sound like increasing success and favor in the last days, but rather, a narrow road.
Today, many alleged prophets and apostles make big promises to Christians—promises of power, domination, status, and supremacy, in this life, seducing those who lack discernment into a false version of what it means to follow Jesus. (tweet)
Don’t be deceived. We are responsible to test prophecies (1 Thess. 5:19-22).
The validity of a prophetic word is not determined by popular opinion, well-known personas, big platforms, or how goose-bumpy it makes us feel.
Rather, prophecy must be examined considering the overall message of the written Word. If a prophecy contradicts or cleverly twists Scripture, it does not originate from the Holy Spirit.
(Since we can be wrong in our own prophetic words, we must subject them to testing, too—and not just in an echo chamber of voices we prefer.)
True apostles and prophets aren’t known for flash and sizzle, emotional hype, big promises, and a lavish lifestyle. They are marked by humble, sacrificial love and service.
The fruit of a leader’s character will demonstrate whether he/she is a genuine, loving leader or just someone who’s good at mesmerizing a crowd for selfish reasons.
May we exercise discernment in our day. May we not trade away pure and sincere devotion to Christ for the alluring bait of worldly power and importance.
May we refuse every cheap counterfeit and invest in the upside-down Kingdom of God alone.
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For a deeper dive into prophetic (and fivefold) ministry, grab my book, Prophesying Daughters: How Prophetic Ministry and Women in Leadership Strengthen the Church and the study guide. You can get both for under $20, a great deal for an academic book set! The audio book is coming soon.
Photo by Susanne Maynes
